Officer Robert Joseph Coulter, California Highway Patrol, California

Officer Robert Joseph Coulter

California Highway Patrol, California

End of Watch Sunday, November 2, 2003

Add to My Heroes

Robert Joseph Coulter

Officer Robert Coulter was accidentally shot and killed while placing his department-issued shotgun in the electronic shotgun rack of his patrol car.

The shotgun is normally positioned in a vertical position between the two front seats. It is believed the trigger was depressed when Officer Coulter positioned the shotgun in the lock. The incident occurred in the parking lot of the CHP's Weaverville station.

Officer Coulter's shift started at 6:00 a.m., and another officer discovered his body at approximately 9:30 a.m.

Officer Coulter was a United States Army Military Police veteran and had served with the California Highway Patrol for 14 years. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, mother, and two sisters.

Bio

Age 39
Tour 19 years
Badge 12941
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)

accidental discharge

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 113 Reflections

Officer Coulter,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served as a U.S. Army Military Policeman. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 2, 2023